Leeds United are finishing 2025 in excellent form, having gone three games unbeaten in the Premier League after Sunday afternoon’s 1-1 draw against Brentford.
After almost producing an impossible comeback against Man City, Leeds then beat Chelsea and scored a late goal to draw 3-3 with Liverpool. A trip to Brentford was next, a game that was a formality on paper.
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The Italian star has made a huge impact from the bench in Leeds’ last two games
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Brentford had won five of their seven home games, clocking up a total of 16 points from a possible 21 at the G-Tech. Leeds had lost six of their seven away games. But Leeds ripped up the script, drawing 1-1.
A brilliant point that has extended the gap between Leeds and 18th-placed West Ham to three points, with the Hammers losing 3-2 to Aston Villa. Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his fourth goal in four games.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesGeorginio Rutter and Pascal Struijk praise Leeds ace Willy Gnonto
For a second game in a row, Gnonto was brought on as a sub with Leeds in need of an equaliser. Leeds needed a bit of magic, and that’s exactly what the Italy international provided Daniel Farke’s men, again.
Gnonto addressed his super-sub tag, having won a penalty against Liverpool to start a comeback before laying on a gorgeous cross for Calvert-Lewin to score on Sunday. On Monday, he posted on Instagram.
Responding to Gnonto’s Instagram, Pascal Struijk highlighted Gnonto’s effect off the bench in his last two games, commenting “impact x2” while Georginio Rutter said “facile”, suggesting he made it look “easy”.
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As Daniel Farke switches plan A, Willy Gnonto will have to wait
Farke will be the first person to tell you that he doesn’t want to play long-ball football, on the counter in a 3-5-2 system. He wants to control games, play football the right way, and keep large portions of the ball.
But the three-man defence is working and while it does, Gnonto will struggle to start for Leeds. The only time Gnonto has played since Farke’s switch is when the German decides to change the base formation.
Unless Gnonto can prove himself as a wing-back or a striker – and even if he does, Leeds are well-stocked in those positions – Gnonto doesn’t stand a chance of starting. But the season is long and he is needed.
However, if January sees Gnonto attract interest, it might prove difficult for Leeds to turn down any decent offers. Reports say Leeds are willing to listen to offers for Gnonto to boost their PSR position.
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